RON HOCK Plane Blades
About Steel - by Ron Hock
The three qualities that most effect the selection of a steel for a hand-tool application are edge-holding, sharpenability, and corrosion-resistance. For metallurgical reasons, you can only have two of the three. We at HOCKTOOLS feel that in woodworking, corrosion-resistance is the least important of the three, and prefer an edge that is easily sharpened and long lasting.
A steel's carbon content determines its ability to harden with heat treatment. That hardness determines a tool's ability to hold a sharp cutting edge under abrasive pressure (wear). Generally, the harder the metal the better its edge holding, but it will be more brittle. Tempering reduces that brittleness, although it also reduces the tool's hardness and wear resistance. So a balance must be struck to decide how hard a blade should be. Our blades are hardened to Rc62 for long edge life. This is harder than most available replacement blades yet not as hard or brittle as most Japanese blades.
"Tool Steel" refers to a class of steels that are metallurgically very "clean" and fall within strict limits for alloy proportions. Vanadium, tungsten, and molybdenum are often added to tool steels to make the steel resist annealing (softening) when used in "high-speed" (high heat) applications. Chromium is added in very large quantities for corrosion resistance ("stainless"). High-speed steels are essential in metal-working tools (drills, milling cutters, etc.) and "stainless" steels can be cost effective by resisting rust during the manufacture, shipping, and storage of the tool itself. Correctly heat-treated, tools made from high-speed, stainless, and "chrome-vanadium" steels may hold an edge well in woodworking applications, but, due to the large, hard carbide particles that form during hardening, they are difficult to sharpen and cannot be honed as sharply as a blade of plain high-carbon steel. Our choice of High-Carbon Tool-Steel (.95% Carbon) offers the finest, sharpest edge possible. Its chromium and vanadium additions amount to only 1/2% each allowing quick, clean honing with traditional techniques. High-carbon steel holds and takes an edge better than anything else. We guarantee it.
Don't miss a view to Ron Hock's Sharpening Notes!
Replacement blades for standard cast iron planes
These blades offer a substantial improvement over the inferior "chrome-vanadium" blades that come with most contemporary tools. Hock's high-carbon tool steel blades can be honed easier and SHARPER. The difference will be obvious as soon as you start honing and will impress you as you use the blade. These blades are 17% thicker than "stock" blades, have the traditional "keyhole" slot, and fit most planes. With a little work and a proper blade, those cast-iron planes can be tuned-up and made to perform beautifully. Flatten the sole, adjust the frog so the throat opening is no more than necessary, sharpen your new blade like a razor, and your plane will make "see-through" shavings and satin surfaces.
| suitable for | Blade width | Order nr. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 3 | 44 mm (1-3/4 in.) | 307620  |
€ 40.00 |
| No. 4 und No. 5 | 51 mm (2 in.) | 307621 |
€ 41.40 |
| some older types | 54 mm (2-1/8 in.) | 307622 |
€ 43.90 |
| some older types | 57 mm (2-1/4 in.) | 307623 |
€ 43.90 |
| No. 4 1/2, No. 5 1/2, No. 6 und No. 7 | 60 mm (2-3/8 in.) | 307624 |
€ 44.30 |
| No. 8 | 67 mm (2-5/8 in.) | 307625 |
€ 46.30 |
Blade width 54 mm (2-1/8 in.)
Enlargement and Sizes
Order nr. 307626
Price € 54.00
Blades for block planes
The blades of the block planes are 108 mm (4-1/4 in.) long with oval center slot and machined adjusting rack.
(old plane, out of production)
Blade width 35 mm (1-3/8 in.) Slot width 11 mm (7/16 in.)
Order nr. 307630
Price €: 35.40
Blade width 41 mm (1-5/8 in.) Slot width 11 mm (7/16 in.)
Order nr. 307631
Price € 38.20
Blade width 35 mm (1-3/8 in.) Slot width 16 mm (5/8 in.)
Order nr. 307632
Price € 35.40
Blade width 41 mm (1-5/8 in.) Slot width 16 mm (5/8 in.)
Order nr. 307633
Price € 38.20
Scraper plane blades
these blades are hardened for a balance of long edge life and burr "rollability". The bevel is 45°.
2.4 mm (3/32 in.) thick, 73 mm (2-7/8 in.) wide and 127 mm (5 in.) long.
Order nr.: 307600
Price €: 32.70
Blades for Spokeshaves
he most dramatic improvement can be realized by accurizing and tuning your spokeshave. With this blades the spokeshave is a sensitive tool capable of doing fine work. The hinges of the Kunz no. 53 have to be disassembled to take the more thicker blade.
Blade width 45 mm (1-3/4 in.) open U-slot
Order nr. 307634
Price € 27.30
Blade width 51 mm (2 in.) open U-slot
Order nr. 307635
Price € 28.60
Blade width 54 mm (2-1/8 in.)
Order nr. 307636
Price € 33.40
HOCK Cryogenically treated A2 Blades
A2 Steel has been gaining popularity among woodworkers for its superior edge holding properties. This steel differs from carbon steel with the addition of 0.7% manganese, 5.0% chromium, 1.1% molybdenum and 0.25% vanadium. Cryogenic treatment - an extreme cold treatment - increases the steel's toughness without any degrease in hardness (62 HRC). All A2 blades are marked with "A2 Cryo" to avoid mixing them. Only for cast iron planes!
| Type | Width | Order nr. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| For Plane No. 3 | 44 mm (1-3/4) | 307653 |
€ 45.00 |
| For Plane No. 4 und 5 | 51 mm (2 in.) | 307654 |
€ 46.30 |
| For Plane No. 4 1/2, 5 1/2, 6 und 7 | 60 mm (2-3/8 in.) | 307657 |
€ 52.00 |
| For Plane No. 8 | 67 mm (2-5/8 in.) | 307658 |
€ 60.00 |
| For American Stanley No. 60 1/2 (old block plane, out of production) |
35 mm (1-3/8 in.) Slot width 11 mm (7/16 in.) |
307660 |
€ 47.50 |
| For Record No. 9 1/2, 60 1/2, Anant No. 9 1/2 |
Blade width 41 mm (1-5/8 in.) Slot width 11 mm (7/16") |
307661 |
€ 49.80 |
| For Engl. Stanley (modern) and Anant No. 60 1/2 |
Blade width 35 mm (1-3/8 in.) Slot width 16 mm (5/8 in.) |
307662 |
€ 47.50 |
| For Engl. Stanley No. 9 1/2 (modern) |
Blade width 41 mm (1-5/8 in.) Slot width 16 mm (5/8 in.) |
307663 |
€ 49.80 |
|
SSpokeshave blades
for Stanley, Record, Anant No. 151 |
Blade width 54 mm (2-1/8 in.) | 307666 |
€ 41.50 |
HOCK Chip Breakers
To maximize your plane's performance, a thicker chip breaker can stabilize the blade's cutting edge reducing vibration and chatter. The chipbraker made by Ron Hock are 3 mm thick (.118 in.), almost twice as thick as a stock chip breaker. The cap screw is included! Only for cast iron planes made by Stanley, Kunz, Record, Anant!
